All Asia: South & Central
Why is democratic India helping Russia avoid Western sanctions?Russia鈥檚 ability to endure sanctions relies on the reluctance of countries like India to join the West鈥檚 economic embargo. The trade channels being formed could have lasting geopolitical effects.
Crocus blooms in the living room? Kashmir's saffron farmers get creative.Farmers say efforts to bolster Kashmir鈥檚 struggling saffron industry are starting to pay off, sparking hope across the region.
Endurance test: How Sri Lanka鈥檚 batik artists keep the craft aliveKeeping a traditional craft alive in modern times often requires creativity and perseverance. Sri Lanka鈥檚 loyal batik artisans have both.
First Look鈥楽ilent鈥� protests in Myanmar resist rising political violenceMore than two years after the February 2021 military coup in Myanmar, nonviolent civil resistance remains strong. People fight for a return to democracy, and nonviolent protests within cities occur almost daily, though violence in the countryside is rising.
As Hindu nationalism grows, so does interest in Delhi鈥檚 Muslim historyIslamophobia in India is rising, but some tour guides and historians see hope in the growing curiosity about聽Delhi鈥檚 Muslim heritage.
First LookNepal farmers plant hope, resilience with indigenous seedsIn a region where 80% of the people are farmers, Nepal鈥檚 native crops are disappearing. Now a small movement grows as farmers embrace indigenous seeds and the demand for local produce grows. Some say the effort can boost resilience to climate change.聽
Long life, good education, but no jobs? Kerala model faces test.The policies that helped India鈥檚 Kerala state punch above its weight on economic and social welfare now appear to be holding it back.
First Look鈥楨xemplary compassion鈥�: Nations pledge funding for flood-hit PakistanThe United Nations allocated over聽$4 billion Monday聽to Pakistan in the wake of last summer鈥檚 devastating floods. Pakistan estimates it will need $16.3 billion to fully recover.聽鈥淲e are racing [against] time,鈥� said聽Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
Difference MakerIn Sri Lanka, Pastor Moses shows the power of a free lunchGenerosity in one pastor鈥檚 youth聽has created a ripple effect, helping buoy thousands of Sri Lankans through times聽of hunger and hardship.
First LookGrowing hope: As climate warms, Bangladeshi farmers swap cropsFarmers聽in聽Bangladesh's Rajshahi district have switched from growing water-intensive rice to vegetables as they adapt to a warming planet.
鈥榃e are lying to ourselves鈥�: Ban on LGBTQ film sparks debate in PakistanDespite being banned in parts of Pakistan, the acclaimed film 鈥淛oyland鈥澛爄s prompting honest conversations about how women and LGBTQ people fit into the conservative society.
To balance China, India charts new foreign policy pathIndia is pivoting away from its 鈥渘onaligned鈥� roots and instead fostering multiple partnerships based on national interests, such as balancing powerful neighbor China.
First LookMicrofinance helps Indian women borrow 鈥� with dignityIn India, where loan sharks have monopolized the rural credit market for generations, formal microlenders are playing an increasingly important role. Small loans can help women boost their incomes and strengthen their community roles.
What would a climate-resilient Pakistan look like? Sindh offers clues.In Pakistan鈥檚 flood-ravaged Sindh province, an absence of government and international disaster aid has left much of rebuilding to civil society. Local initiatives are aiming to make communities more resilient.
First LookNew Indonesia penal code criminalizes dissent, sex outside marriageIndonesian lawmakers passed a revision to its code of laws banning all forms of sex outside marriage for both citizens and foreigners. The package of laws, which was met with criticism from human rights activists, also bans political and religious dissent.聽
A promise by Pakistan鈥檚 outgoing army chief is met with cautious hopePakistan has been ruled either directly or indirectly by the army for 75 years. Now, both hope and skepticism abound as Pakistanis consider a future without a politicking military.
How can US woo a distrustful Pakistan? Flood relief was a start.Almost reflexive anti-Americanism in Pakistan speaks to a broken relationship between the two countries. But soft power and person-to-person diplomacy are seen as ways to restore trust.
In Malaysia election, newly enfranchised teens could be the kingmakersIn an upcoming snap election, 18-to-20-year-old Malaysians wield new power 鈥� and new responsibility. How are young voters approaching their first election?
First LookMyanmar releases thousands of political prisoners in grand pardonThe military government of Myanmar announced that it will release 5,774 prisoners, four of them from other countries. The release marks a step toward justice, but there are still thousands of people imprisoned in Myanmar on political charges.
The ExplainerMental health or labor crisis? India鈥檚 suicide data points to both.Data shows India鈥檚 suicide rates rose in 2021. Experts say these deaths point to an urgent need for a more holistic suicide prevention strategy.
